#dentalhygiene #gumdisease #tmjdisorder #oralcare #alzheimer #alzheimerawareness #elderlycare #nutritionandlifestyle #nutritionist #healthyaging #hearthealthydiet #seniorcare #familycaregivers
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Yes you CAN keep your teeth as you age? But why are Older Persons at risk for poor oral health?? WHY do Persons neglect dental Care? What is the danger of having fewer teeth?
A few risk factors:
🪥😁🦷Pain - fewer teeth mean chewing is painful, affecting nutrition; gum disease is also a factor
🪥😁🦷Depression and apathy - no desire ; poor socialisation for fear and embarrassment
🪥😁🦷Arthritis in the jaw (TMJ disorder for example - eating is just uncomfortable
🪥😁🦷Socioeconomic challenges - access to nutritious food AND Health Care
🪥😁🦷Some medication and NCds can cause gum disease, dry mouth and
🪥😁🦷Memory Impairment-- they simply forget ; in addition, many with poor oral hygiene are at risk for Dementia
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
🪥😁🦷 Brush (soft bristles) and clean TWICE A DAY - no toothpaste? - use Bicarbonate of soda and salt . REMEMBER your TONGUE!
🪥😁🦷Blend or puree or boil vegs and fruit hard to chew; remember protein
🪥😁🦷TALK to SOMEONE! A friend, hygienist, nutritionist (or a dentist!)
🪥😁🦷Pain relief -if chewing is painful
🪥😁🦷Be mindful of TMJ disorder and the ability to chew
🪥😁🦷Ask questions from the doctor if medication may cause oral side effects
SMILE!! (WHERE WOULD WE BE WITHOUT OUR TEETH ?!)
One day, one hour, one TOOTH at a time!😁
From my heart to yours💗
Dr. Lana
